Reach Up Before You Reach Out

I've never been much of a fiction reader, but Kathi Macias, an author with godly, caring heart, captured my own heart and I've read a number of her books.

"As an author, I tend to write books about some pretty heavy topics—the persecuted Church, human trafficking, incarcerated loved ones," Kathi said. "You’d think that very focus would also keep me focused on the most important thing—my relationship with God, for how else would I dare tackle such difficult subjects?"

Kathi continues:

But even in the midst of writing about such horrific problems, I occasionally find myself drifting off-point and forgetting that there is absolutely no way in the world that I can right these wrongs on my own. Can anyone relate?

I believe it’s important for us to cultivate a social conscience that responds to injustice and suffering, hearts and lives that are “moved with compassion,” as Jesus was when He saw the hurting masses. But even Jesus never attempted to remedy the situations in a human way.

Jesus…lifted up His eyes to heaven (John 17:1, NKJV).

Instead, He took every possible opportunity to go off to a quiet place and commune with His Father before reaching out in ministry.

Though my heart is to call on women to become actively involved in one or more aspects of such vital ministry—writing letters of support to believers suffering for their faith; volunteering time to help feed the homeless or lead a Bible study behind bars; donating time or money or material goods to a safe house for trafficking survivors—I first want to caution against falling into the trap of trying to reach out before reaching up.

When we step out into ministry, we encounter darkness and serious resistance. Because of that it is vital that we make our first priority the same as it was for Jesus—regularly spending time with the Father before reaching out to His children.

It is the most effective thing we can ever do, both as women and as Christians.

May God bless and guide you as you look to the Father for the strength to be “moved with compassion” for the many needs around you.

As you spend time with God this week, will you purpose to seek His heart concerning your family? Your community? The world? Will you ask Him, "Father, what would you have me do?"

Kathi Macias is the author of 40 books, including titles in the "Freedom Series" and "Extreme Devotion Series." Her most recent novel, The Moses Quilt, deals with racial and generational divides and the impact of the Gospel.

A popular speaker and Bible teacher, Kathi lives in Southern California with her husband, Al. Learn more about Kathi and her books at www.kathimacias.com.